Warforged Components for D&D 4ed

[Whexican]

Howdy all,

I'm playing a warforged Warden on my current campaign, and i had some questions regarding warforged components.

1) How does an embedded implement or holy symbol work? I'm assuming it still follows the basic rules of an implements (must be trained in using implements and must be used with a power that has the implement keyword).

2) Does an attached heavy shield suffer a -2 check penalty? According to the manual, you can treat the heavy shield like a light shield with regards to your hand being free and able to hold something (you just can't make a melee attack). However, if thats the case, you would expect skill based actions like climbing to not be affected. But a shield is bigger and larger and would make general athletics more difficult. i dunno I was hoping to get some clarification.

3) Is it possible to have the shoulderbow fire heavy weapons like throwing hammers or javelins? My character is high in strength but low on dex, and heavy weapons use the strength stat for attack and damage rolls.

On a side note: My idea was to have a shield attached to my back that could mechanically slide/transition to my left hand on command. It would still be treated as minor action, since your basically readying an item.

[Whexican]

Suggestions? No helpful hints from fellow warforged players?

[hamishspence]

Drow Long Knife in Eberron Campaign Setting, while exotic, is the only heavy blade, that's a Heavy Thrown Weapon, that is small enough to be used as a retractable throwing weapon.

There are other retractable Heavy Thrown Weapons though- hammer, axe.

[Badgerish]

3) 'Shoulderbow' is Crossbow only. Making a similar item that is heavy-thrown only would be slightly stronger (+fits with racial stats, -it's not a superior crossbow) so consider asking your GM if you can research or quest for one. Also having a hammer-gun is hilarious.

2) Embedded Heavy Shields still have -2 ACP

1) Embedded magical implements don't need to be wielded (95% sure about this) but you still need proficiency in them (via class, multiclass or AIP feat)

side-note: readying a heavy shield is normally a standard action and a couple of the other quick-draw type things (gloves of storage) point out how they don't work with shields. Maybe ask for it as a move action instead?

[NEO|Phyte]

1) Embedded magical implements don't need to be wielded (95% sure about this) but you still need proficiency in them (via class, multiclass or AIP feat)

Unless errata changed things, implements can either be attached to the hand or they can be embedded in the arm (one per arm) like offhand weapons. Staffs can be components, but cannot be used as weapons if they are. Holy symbols can be anywhere, as you need not wield one, just have it visible.

[Whexican]

Drow Long Knife in Eberron Campaign Setting, while exotic, is the only heavy blade, that's a Heavy Thrown Weapon, that is small enough to be used as a retractable throwing weapon.

There are other retractable Heavy Thrown Weapons though- hammer, axe.

Are you sure about drow blades and hammers and axes being embedded?

According to the Manual:

Weapon: a dagger, shortsword, katar, or hand crossbow can be embedded. Up to five shurikens can be embedded in place of one of these items. a retractable weapon can be embedded to take up space in one arm and hand. such a weapon springs forth and locks into place as a minor action, and it can be retracted as a minor action. it functions normally with the Quick draw feat

I was under the impression that only dagger, shortsword, katar, or hand crossbow can be embedded,

[hamishspence]

The online version in Dragon had it that way.

But in the Eberron Player's Guide page 113:

Weapon: A one handed weapon that has the off-hand or light thrown property can be embedded. An embedded weapon is retractable, stored in a space within your forearm.

The Drow Long Knife, Hand Axe, and Throwing Hammer are all off-hand weapons.

Thus, they qualify- they don't need off-hand and light thrown, either will qualify.

[Whexican]

The online version in Dragon had it that way.

But in the Eberron Player's Guide page 113:



The Drow Long Knife, Hand Axe, and Throwing Hammer are all off-hand weapons.

Thus, they qualify- they don't need off-hand and light thrown, either will qualify.

Thats awesome! nice to hear my options are more open.

[Whexican]

ANy idea if warforged suffer a skill check penalty for attached heavy shields?

[kc0bbq]

ANy idea if warforged suffer a skill check penalty for attached heavy shields?

Since it only says it can be treated like a light shield for purposes of having a free hand, unless there is something somewhere else that says there is no penalty (don't remember seeing anything) you get the penalty.

[Tetrasodium]

On a side note: My idea was to have a shield attached to my back that could mechanically slide/transition to my left hand on command. It would still be treated as minor action, since your basically readying an item.

In 3.5 it's a called or calling shield (can't recall which), you just say a commad and it transports into existence from wherever it was to your arm provided you were the last person to wear it. I can't recall what sort of action it counted as and don't know if there is a 4.0 equivalent though.

[Whexican]

In 3.5 it's a called or calling shield (can't recall which), you just say a commad and it transports into existence from wherever it was to your arm provided you were the last person to wear it. I can't recall what sort of action it counted as and don't know if there is a 4.0 equivalent though.

Thanks I'll have to keep my eye out for that.

On a another note, I noticed that off-handed weapons can be embedded, and also that shields can be used as off-handed weapons when bashing.

Do you think its possible to have a light shield as an embedded weapon/item?